Elk River vs Rochester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Elk River, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk River, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,758 | $103,862▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.92 | $49.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,193 | $74,448▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,487▲ | $81,673 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,126 | $133,491▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,725▲ | $142,286 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Elk River and Rochester is $2,104 (2.07%). Rochester's median is +0.36% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elk River spans $83,532,Rochester spans $67,838. Elk River has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($114,359 effective) pays 10.70% more than Elk River ($103,308 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,725)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,862/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,359)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Elk River grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Elk River, MN
$91,679 (2024) → $99,150 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$92,210 (2019) → $101,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk River, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov